Attempted Assassination of Bonaparte, December 24, 1800 19th century

This two-inch diameter medal titled, "Attempted Assassination of Bonaparte, December 24, 1800," was created by Henri Auguste. It memorializes a pivotal moment in French history. France at the turn of the 19th century was a nation in upheaval, still reeling from the French Revolution. The attempted assassination of Napoleon Bonaparte, then First Consul, underscores the intense political divisions and the high stakes of power. Auguste's medal isn't just a historical record; it's a carefully constructed narrative. Who is remembered, and how, reflects those in power. Bonaparte himself was a master of image-making, understanding the potency of symbols and stories. The medal serves as a reminder of how power, identity, and history are intertwined, minted into a small object that speaks volumes about a nation's struggle to define itself. It is a reminder that even in moments of crisis, the stories we tell ourselves can shape the future.